Since the 70’s OPEC has effectively determined the quantity and price of oil. According to its’ statutes, OPEC’s objectives is to safeguard its members’ interests: that is, to sell oil for the highest price possible. Essentially, this is price fixing.

If it were not a multi-nation business backed by the governments of its’ members, but rather existing within a single country, that host nation would be compelled to prosecute OPEC as a monopolistic cartel. If they dared to.

Fear of the tap being turned off originated during the ‘73 oil crisis. It changed the world, revealing the developed economies fragile dependence on a resource whose supply and cost had hitherto been taken for granted. The recent oil wars in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Libya are a testament to these on-going fears.

Against this monumental landscape, the painting references the collusion of a circular boardroom table as well as the obvious Stonehenge comparison – with all the attendant mythology, ignorance and speculation.